PLANS to revamp the site of Fareham's only nightclub look likely to be held back as council chiefs await a government decision on the supertram bid.

Planning chiefs have recommended that a plan to build offices and a retail block at the club called Prague Junction, should be refused in the interests of rekindling the light rapid transit (LRT) scheme.

The nightclub has been struggling to make ends meet following increasing competition from later closing pubs and future night hot spots at Fareham's new Market Quay development.

Owners, Saviour Inns, are trying to salvage the venue and have submitted preliminary plans to demolish the existing building and construct a car park, shops, a restaurant and flats in its place.

The blueprints detail a building comprising three to five storeys with a portion of affordable housing.

Club manager, Gordon Hempsey, said: "I really want to see the club revamped. We've had to hold off it for a long time but I think the proposed development is just what this end of Fareham needs to bring it up to date.

"It will benefit the people of Fareham and provide affordable housing."

However the site is next to the railway station and of key importance in plans for the LRT scheme which government ministers have pledged to reconsider later this year.

The first bid for the tram was rejected last summer after costs spiralled from £100m to £270m.

But last month the Daily Echo reported how project director Steve Nicholson and his team managed to slash proposed expenditure by £70m - by cutting a station out of the plans and altering construction phases.

County councillor Tim Knight, assistant to the executive member for environment, said Fareham Borough Council are playing it safe with land surrounding the station until LRT plans are finalised.

He said: "The council is rightly being very cautious. If they give out planning permission and then the government comes back and says they will back the LRT it will cause problems.

"Prague Junction should wait until we hear from the government."

He added: "Even if the LRT falls through, the county council is keen to look at ways of promoting seamless travel for passengers getting off trains at the station and straight on to buses - so there are implications for the use of the land in that instance as well."

The planning committee will consider the application at their meeting on Thursday.